In response to growing labor shortages across key sectors, Italy has announced a significant expansion of its foreign work visa program for 2025. The government plans to issue 165,000 work visas, marking a notable increase from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023.

Seasonal Workers Receive the Largest Quota

A substantial portion of the 2025 visa allocation—93,550 permits—will be reserved for seasonal workers, reflecting their vital role in Italy’s agriculture and tourism industries. This is a slight rise compared to the 2024 quota of 89,050 seasonal worker visas and signals the country’s continued reliance on foreign labor to support key seasonal demands, especially during the harvest and holiday periods.

Support for the Care Sector

In recognition of its aging population and increasing demand for domestic and personal care, Italy also plans to issue 10,000 work visas to foreign caregivers in 2025. These workers are expected to provide essential services in households and healthcare-related settings, helping to ease the pressure on Italy’s overburdened social support system.

Demand in Construction and Healthcare Sectors

Italy is also grappling with acute labor shortages in construction and healthcare, two sectors that are critical to both economic development and public well-being. While exact visa numbers for these areas have not yet been specified, officials indicate that the growing demand is likely to open new opportunities for foreign professionals and skilled workers willing to fill these gaps.

Overall, Italy’s 2025 work visa plan reflects a strategic effort to address labor market imbalances by expanding access for foreign workers. With targeted increases in seasonal labor, caregiving, and potentially other essential sectors, the policy is poised to strengthen the country's workforce and support economic stability.